The 13 best looks at the fashion-confused Emmys, from Chanel pyjamas to OTT couture gowns

The Emmy Awards 2020 took place on Sunday night, but rather than from a theatre in Los Angeles packed full to the brim with Hollywood’s A-list, as is the norm, it played out in hundreds of homes across the globe.

In light of the unprecedented Covid-19 circumstances, a historically unique show was created with the actual awards ceremony made virtual: host Jimmy Kimmel recorded without a live audience, and instead featured shots of the audience from past ceremonies. Zoom calls with nominees and winners socially distancing at home were on standby, which meant a red carpet event without a red carpet.

Such a unique awards show made for an array of unique looks. While bespoke gowns and sharp suiting would normally be de rigueur, with ‘come as you are, but make an effort,’ as the new dress code, it was truly up for interpretation, so sartorially speaking no guest could do wrong.

Even those who didn’t dress up to the nines still made a fashion statement: Rachel Brosnahan’s floral silk pyjamas could hardly be described as a dressed-down look, while on the other hand, Tracee Ellis Ross's metallic tiered gown was fit for a traditional red carpet, but limited to her makeshift version in her back garden. From one end of the glamour scale to the other, Sandro Oh was an example of an in-between, in a custom silky bomber jacket, flared jeans and stiletto heels.

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For virtual events where only head and shoulders are seen, interesting neckline, hair dos, makeup and fabulous jewellery make all the difference, and the stars didn't disappoint. From feathered gowns to silky nightwear, here are the best looks from the Emmys 2020:

Zendaya in a custom sparkly cut-out gown

In perhaps one of the most exciting wins of the evening, Zendaya was awarded Outstanding Lead Actress in a drama for her role in Euphoria, the youngest actress ever to win, and only the second Black woman to win the category.

She sported two fabulous looks for the occasion, the first of which she documented early on in the evening as a teaser on her Instagram. The silky black and purple gown with a plunging neckline was by Christopher John Rogers, and the actress changed into a sparkly halterneck gown, a custom piece by Armani Prive. She featured via video link, celebrating in her home with her family.

Julia Garner in a 20s silk and pearls combo

With a look that nicely tapped into the evening's nightwear trend, Julia Garner cut a glamorous old school figure in a multitude of Chanel pearls and a blush pink satin top with matching wide-leg trousers.

For her second consecutive Emmys win for her supporting role in Ozark, Garner tuned in via video link with her husband, who sported silky printed pyjamas.

Tracee Ellis Ross in a tiered bronze gown

Posing barefoot in her garden, the Black-ish actress noted that she 'didn't miss the frenetic energy of the red carpet, or wearing high heels,'  and used her makeshift red carpet to showcase her striking tiered bronze gown by Alexandre Vauthier in a series of fun images posted on her Instagram.

She also sported a matching bronze face mask and vintage Tiffany & Co jewellery for the occasion.

Sandra Oh in a casual bomber jacket and jeans

In a laidback satin bomber jacket, flared jeans and white stilettos, Killing Eve star Sandra Oh looked suitably relaxed and casual for a virtual Emmys appearance in her home.

A nominee for the Outstanding Lead Actress award, Oh took the opportunity to showcase her solidarity with the Black Lives Matter movement; her jacket and coordinating face mask are from a Black Lives Matter collection by LA-brand KoreLimited.

Reese Witherspoon in a classic LBD and jewels

Noting that this was her 'shortest Emmys commute yet,' Reese Witherspoon documented her getting ready process on Instagram while in fluffy fuchsia slippers and her team in face masks. Always one to opt for a classic and stylish look, Witherspoon channeled timeless Old Hollywood glamour, complete with a Louis Vuitton LBD, side-swept waves, diamonds and a red pout.

The actress who stars in Big Little Lies, Little Fires Everywhere and The Morning Show, drank champagne and joined from her garden, alongside fellow Little Fires star, Kerry Washington.

Rachel Brosnahan and Jason Ralph in custom silky pyjamas

Watching from home and coordinating with her husband and their two dogs, Nikki and Winston, The Marvelous Mrs Maisel star Rachel Brosnahan plumped for pyjamas that were equally cosy and chic. Their custom sets were by Christy Rilling, a couturier and Michelle Obama's personal tailor.

They had a lovely message behind them, too: not only were the prints custom designed by artist Laurie Simmons for a collaboration with the When We All Vote campaign. Their pyjama sets will also be auctioned on Wednesday with all proceeds going to the campaign which aims to encourage voter participation and registration in upcoming elections.

Sarah Snook in the ultimate smart/casual look

In the ultimate Zoom-friendly look where your top-half is high stakes and your bottom half quite literally out of the picture, actress Sarah Snook paired her smart tuxedo jacket, perfectly-coiffed updo and dainty drop earrings with printed pyjama shorts and slippers.

The actress (who was nominated for the Supporting Actress award for her role in Succession, which won a host of awards last night) posed with the Emmy and danced around her living room, documenting the celebrations in a series of Instagram Stories.

Billy Porter in an ethereal ivory suit

The actor's evening began in glamorous fashion: answering get-ready-with-me questions on Instagram from his bathroom as he prepared for the evening's events, Porter dressed in a statement printed jacket and smart camel trousers.

For the actual event, he opted for a flared white trouser suit by Ashi Studio which featured a dramatic draping, and a smattering of sparkle courtesy of Lorraine Schwartz. Porter never fails to impress with red carpet looks, and this year's ensemble (sadly sans red carpet) was no different.

Kerry Washington in pretty florals

'Haven't dressed up in a while so needed to make the most of it,' read Kerry Washington's Instagram caption on her second fabulous dress of the night, and she meant it.

Washington (a nominee for Lead Actress for her role in Little Fires Everywhere) opted for a pretty floral gown by Oscar de la Renta and Monica Vinader jewellery, then changed her dress for the second half of the night, plumping for a sequined leopard print Dolce & Gabbana frock. Both looks were ideal for a virtual event: dazzling drop earrings, interesting necklines and bold patterns ticked every video-friendly box.

Catherine O’Hara in an embellished LBD

Catherine O'Hara was awarded the Outstanding Lead Actress in a Comedy Series award for her role in Schitt's Creek - the Canadian sitcom which won big at last night's event - and looked suitably slick for the occasion in a sparkly Valentino gown and a black face mask.

After confirming they'd each tested negative for Covid-19, the cast of the show gathered in Ontario for the event, all wearing masks (embroidered with a small rose, a nod to the family's surname on the show) and maintained social distancing.

Yara Shahidi in a custom feathered gown

For a presenting stint during the awards ceremony, actress Yara Shahidi cut a glamorous figure in a custom Prada gown. Her form-fitting bejewelled dress featured a feathered bodice and thick straps, while she opted for sleek braids and natural make-up.

In lieu of a red carpet and photography, Shahidi took to her own Instagram to showcase her chic gown from all angles.

Rejina King in an embellished couture frock

In look one of two for the evening's events, Rejina King opted for a striking cobalt Schiaparelli Couture gown which featured a drop hem and oversized shoulder puff. Her embellished gown (which she would have worn to the event had it not been virtual) was worthy of a mini rooftop photoshoot complete with a minimal white backdrop to allow it to take centre stage.

King won Outstanding Lead Actress for her role in Watchmen, and later changed into a hot pink trouser suit and a Breonna Taylor awareness T-shirt for her acceptance speech.  

Jameela Jamil in a sequined dressing gown

Posing on her own comfy blue sofa, The Good Place actress opted for stay-at-home chic in ivory jersey pyjamas. In a caption posted on her Instagram, Jamil explained that she did her makeup as it's what her character on the show would have wanted. Her floor-length dressing gown (fully embellished with rainbow-hued sequins, no less) added a glamorous touch to her otherwise casual ensemble.

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